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Women’s History Month Spotlight: Rockland Women Who Served

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8 months ago

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As March marks Women’s History Month, communities across the country are recognizing the achievements and sacrifices of women who have shaped history — including those who served in the United States Armed Forces. In Rockland County, several female veterans have been honored for their exemplary military service and continued dedication to their community.

🇺🇸 Major Mattie Moore (U.S. Army Reserve, Ret.)

Among those recognized is retired U.S. Army Reserve Major Mattie Moore, who served during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Following her deployment, Major Moore continued her commitment to service through a 30-year career at Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point. Her military and civic contributions earned her the prestigious Rockland County Freedom Award, which recognizes veterans who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to both country and community.

🇺🇸 Mary Contreras (U.S. Army, Vietnam Era)

The late Mary Contreras also stands among Rockland’s honored veterans. Serving as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War era, she provided critical medical care during a turbulent period in U.S. history.

Contreras was posthumously awarded the Rockland County Freedom Award in recognition of her service, compassion, and lasting legacy.

🇺🇸 Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Rubio (U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.)

Another local honoree is retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Elizabeth “Lisa” Rubio, who served from 2011 to 2019. During her military career, Rubio held leadership roles within Marine Corps Recruiting Command and Special Operations Command, earning multiple commendations, including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

After her military service, Rubio continued advocating for fellow veterans in Rockland County, working to ensure they receive the benefits and support they have earned.

Breaking Barriers in Combat

In recent decades, expanded roles for women in the armed forces have placed them directly in combat operations. Female soldiers have led patrols, flown fighter jets, defused explosive devices, and commanded units under fire.

Nationally recognized examples include:

  • Tammy Duckworth, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot who lost both legs when her aircraft was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Iraq and later became a leading advocate for veterans.

  • Leigh Ann Hester, who became the first woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star for direct combat action after engaging insurgents during a 2005 ambush in Iraq.

A Legacy of Service

These women represent the courage, resilience, and leadership that define both military service and Women’s History Month. Their stories reflect not only battlefield dedication, but also a lifelong commitment to strengthening their communities.

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

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2 weeks ago

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October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

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2 weeks ago

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September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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